FAILED TO PAY WAGES INCREASE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 257, 8 October 1931, Page 5

FAILED TO PAY WAGES INCREASE

MOTOR SALESMAN FINED YOUTH'S "JOB IN DANGER" Press Association.— Copyright. PALMERSTON N., To-day. In the Palmerston North Magistrate's Court yesterday, the Inspeetor of Factories, Mr. J. Lowden, proceeded against Adams, Ltd., of Palmerston North, motor salesmen, charging them with failing to pay an employee over the age of 20 years, the award rate* of wages, namely, Is lid an hour. Mr. Lowden explained to the Court that defendants had on their staff a youth named Charles Hargreaves, and when he reached the age of 20 years they had failed to pay him the increase that the motor mechanics* award laid down.

Mr. H. R. Cooper, who appeared for defendants, said Hargreaves had been, employed by the firm for a number o£ years, washing cars and blowing up tyres, etc. He was paid £2 19s per week for that work. Hargreaves did not tell the firm when he reached 20 years of age and made no claim for the extra wages. Had he done so no doubt the firm would have put him off and found another boy. Mr. Lowden stated that the onus was on the employer to find out the boy's age. Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M.: I should have thought it was the boy's business to tell his employers. No doubt, as Mr. Cooper has said, had he asked for the increase in wages he would have got the "sack." His Worship did not consider the breach was one that called for a large penalty. A fine of <ros was imposed.